Warts

Definition

Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin. Most of the time they are harmless. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 180 types of HPV viruses. Some types of warts are spread through sex.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most often, warts are harmless growths that go away on their own within 2 years. Periungual or plantar warts are harder to cure than warts in other places. Warts can come back after treatment, even if they appear to go away. Minor scars can form after warts are removed.

Infection with certain types of HPV can increase your risk for cancer. Your provider can discuss this with you.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if:

You have signs of infection (red streaking, pus, discharge, or fever) or bleeding.

You have a lot of bleeding from the wart or bleeding that does not stop when you apply light pressure.

The wart does not respond to self-care and you want it removed.

The wart causes pain.

You have anal or genital warts.

You have diabetes or a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV) and have developed warts.

There is any change in the color or appearance of the wart.

Prevention

To prevent warts:

Avoid direct contact with a wart on another person's skin. Wash your hands carefully after touching a wart.

Wear socks or shoes to prevent getting plantar warts.

Wash the nail file that you use to file your wart so that you don't spread the virus to other parts of your body.

Ask your provider about vaccines to prevent some types or strains of viruses that cause genital warts.